Pakistan vs Bangladesh, 17th Match Asia Cup 2025

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub / Hasan Nawaz / Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha (C), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan / Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (C & WK), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan / Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

📌 These are probable XIs and may change depending on pitch conditions, team strategy, and player fitness.

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium usually provides a balanced T20 surface, with something in it for both batters and bowlers. Pacers like Shaheen Afridi and Taskin Ahmed can use the new ball effectively under lights, generating bounce and swing in the powerplay. As the innings progresses, the surface tends to slow down, allowing spinners such as Abrar Ahmed and Rishad Hossain to control the middle overs with grip and variation.

Batting conditions improve significantly in the second innings due to the dew factor, which makes chasing the preferred option at this venue. Teams batting first often need a score of 165+ to stay competitive.

• Average 1st Innings Score (T20Is): 155–165 runs
• Pitch Nature: Balanced – early swing for pacers, grip for spinners later
• Pace vs Spin: Pacers dominate early & at the death; spinners effective in middle overs
• Weather: Hot and dry 🌤 around 33–35°C with clear skies. No rain expected. Dew likely in the evening.

📌 Toss Impact: Teams generally prefer bowling first in Dubai, taking advantage of early movement before chasing becomes easier with dew in the second innings.

🔑 Key Player Matchups

• Fakhar Zaman vs Taskin Ahmed – Fakhar’s aggressive stroke play in the powerplay will be tested by Taskin’s pace and bounce under lights. Whoever wins this battle could set the tone for the match.
• Sahibzada Farhan vs Mustafizur Rahman – Farhan’s steady approach at the top will come under pressure from Mustafizur’s cutters and variations, especially in the powerplay.
• Litton Das vs Shaheen Afridi – Litton’s ability to anchor Bangladesh’s innings will be challenged by Shaheen’s lethal swing and yorkers with the new ball.
• Towhid Hridoy vs Abrar Ahmed – Hridoy’s calm batting against spin will be crucial if Bangladesh are to counter Abrar’s mystery spin in the middle overs.

🌟 Impact Players

Pakistan (PAK):

• Fakhar Zaman – Explosive opener who can take the game away in the first six overs.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi – Pakistan’s strike weapon with new-ball swing and deadly death overs.
• Abrar Ahmed – Mystery spinner capable of breaking partnerships and choking runs in the middle phase.

Bangladesh (BAN):

• Litton Das – Captain and anchor of the batting lineup, his knock will define Bangladesh’s chances.
• Towhid Hridoy – Young batter with the temperament to handle pressure and rotate strike against spin.
• Mustafizur Rahman – Master of cutters and yorkers, a big threat in both powerplay and death overs.

📌 Must-Have Picks:

• Fakhar Zaman (PAK): Explosive opener; can score quick runs in the powerplay and tilt momentum early.
• Sahibzada Farhan (PAK): In-form opener who provides consistency and anchors Pakistan’s batting.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi (PAK): Strike bowler with swing; a big threat in powerplay and at the death.
• Abrar Ahmed (PAK): Mystery spinner; effective in middle overs with wicket-taking ability.
• Litton Das (BAN): Skipper and wicketkeeper-batter; Bangladesh’s most reliable run-getter.
• Towhid Hridoy (BAN): Composed middle-order batter; plays spin well and can steady the innings.
• Mustafizur Rahman (BAN): Left-arm pacer with cutters and yorkers; dangerous in Dubai’s evening conditions.

👑 Captaincy Choices:

• Captain: Fakhar Zaman / Litton Das
• Vice-Captain: Shaheen Shah Afridi / Towhid Hridoy

📌 Tips Based on Dubai Conditions:

• The dew factor favors chasing teams, so top-order batters like Fakhar and Litton are more valuable if batting second.
• Spinners like Abrar Ahmed and Rishad Hossain could control the middle overs – include at least one wrist-spinner in fantasy squads.
• All-rounders such as Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz provide balance and can deliver crucial fantasy points in both departments.
• In grand leagues, picking a bowler captain (Shaheen or Mustafizur) could be a differential that pays off if conditions aid movement.